THERE was an uneasy period at Tralee Track last Friday night when the hare malfunctioned for the sixth race and the greyhounds had to be taken out of traps. However, the matter was resolved after a quarter of an hour or so and, as it turned out, some marvellous racing followed, highlighted by the victory of More Pain (Droopys Vieri – Baltovin Lulu) in the final of the featured 3 Mobile Open 550 Sweepstake (winner, € 750).

More Pain is owned by Boston-based Kilmoyley man, Johnny Regan (agent, Ger Reidy), and he once again brought his brilliant finishing speed into play on the run to the line to master 4/5 favourite, Pencray Lass, by three-quarters of a length in the outstanding time of 29.99.

More Pain was clear second favourite at 6/4 and, even though Pencray Lass once again took a flying start from trap 6, his supporters must have been quite happy to see him occupy second at the first bend behind Pencray Lass.

On the back straight, Pencray Lass extended her lead to three and a half lengths, but everybody knew that More Pain would be coming at her very hard coming home and that's exactly how it worked out.

Another finalist, Keelans Buddy, managed to get into contention at the third bend, but his chance was gone when he checked behind More Pain, whose exceptional finishing ability will ensure that he wins a lot more in the year ahead.

Also decided on the night were seven firstround heats of the John and Mary "Killeacle" Dowling Memorial A1 570 Sweepstake ( winner, € 3,000) and trainer Graham Holland supplied the fastest winner in the classy Titan Tyrone (Premier County – Shalome). This Scottish-owned syndicate dog was very hot in the betting at 4/6 in heat 2 and he set himself up for victory with a dazzling show of early pace. He opened up a significant lead as the race progressed and he had more than enough in hand to be able to hold off the challenge of Aer Bus by two lengths in 31.08.

The next fastest winner, on 31.15 in heat 4, was Compass Smash (Crash – Blues Best Buzz), from the much-travelled Midleton kennels of Stephen Wadsworth. This fellow flew to the first bend from a trap 1 draw and, although Stackies Book closed to within a length at the third bend, Compass Smash had all the answers and finished powerfully for a four-length victory over Stackies Book in 31.15.

Stephen Wadsworth also had the 4/6 favourite in heat 3 in Compass Miko, but the double bid was foiled by Ardrahan Rotunda (Razldazl Billy – Whatsthemoodlike), owned by Daniel Nolan, of Ardfert. Ardrahan Rotunda was fourth on the back straight and third at the third bend and it represented a fine performance by him to shade the verdict by a short head from Compass Miko in 31.61.

This was one of a number of thrilling finishes on a night which saw Abbeyfeale trainer, Con O'Connor, complete a double in the first and eleventh races. The double was initiated by Denville Surf (Crash – Best Be Sure), which justified evenmoney favouritism when scoring by four lengths in 29.84, and it was completed by Gally Cove (Droopys Scholes – Rising Angel), which also justified a strong market position (he was returned at 6/4) to score by a length from Kahara Daisy in 29.37.

In relation to the John and Mary "Killeacle" Dowling Sweepstake, three qualified in each of the seven first-round heats and going through with them to the second round this Friday night were the three fastest fourths.

The other heat winners were: Carrowkeal Sam, 31.30; Briens Blackie, 31.53; Kincraig Ranger, 31.65; Polar Rocket, 31.24. Other winners: Confident Lunar, 29.17; Jeddies Light, 29.27.